Warmest weekend of year so far

A mostly dry Bank Holiday Monday capped the warmest weekend of the year so far, during which all parts of the country saw some sunshine every day.

Temperatures appear to have peaked on Friday, however, when Rosslare recorded the year's highest value to date: 23.2 Celsius.

The midlands enjoyed yesterday's hottest conditions, with 21.6 degrees at Mullingar.

By contrast, some areas - including Kilkenny - saw thundery showers, and sea breezes made it relatively cool in Dublin for the 40,000 participants in the Women's Mini-Marathon.

Prospects for the rest of the week are mixed. It will continue to be warm everywhere but, at least in the short-term, it will also be wet.

After a warm, sultry day today, rain is expected in the west and south-west during the evening.

It will reach all parts overnight and tomorrow, and may be heavy and even thundery at times. The east may escape the worst.

Tomorrow, however, should be mostly warm everywhere, with temperatures as high as 22 degrees. Thursday is likely to be a mixed bag: windy, with heavy showers, but also sunny spells.

Friday will be drier and slightly cooler, with a high of 19 degrees during the sunny periods.

Anecdotal evidence from hayfever sufferers suggests pollen counts were high. But Met Éireann has not yet begun this summer's daily pollen forecasts.

A spokeswoman said the service is provided in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin, and will be available shortly.